Desperate search launched for missing woman swept away when flash flood swept through the Grand Canyon

A desperate search has been launched after a woman was swept away in a devastating flash food at the Grand Canyon. 

The National Park Service is looking for Chenoa Nickerson, 33, after she went missing while caught in floodwaters at Havasu Creek on Thursday. 

Nickerson and her husband Andrew had been hiking the Havasupai area when the flood struck, causing the couple to split up. 

Family members have since confirmed that her husband was found by local rafters, while she has not been located.

'My daughter Chenoa Nickerson is still missing. Please pray for her safe return home,' her mother wrote on social media.

Several other hikers were left stranded in the area due to the floodwaters, while Nickerson was swept away. She was not wearing a life jacket.

Nickerson is described as a 5′8″ woman, 190 pounds with brown hair, blue eyes and tattoos. 

Anyone with information regarding Nickerson, is urged to contact the NPS ISB Tip Line at (888) 653-0009.

The National Park Service said: 'The National Park Service is working closely with the Havasupai Tribe to coordinate these rescue efforts and ensure the safety of all those involved.'

The Havasupai Tribe, which gives hikers access to the area where the falls are, said on social media the area is closed through Sunday. 

The tribe said it is still working to evacuate the hikers affected by the flash flooding. 

They said: 'The Council is actively engaged in safely evacuating those tourists that were in Supai at the time of the flooding. 

'We kindly ask for your patience as we see to the health and safety of the tourists and the Tribal members.

According to their website: 'If you hear the flood waters approaching or if you are caught in a rain storm, climb to high ground immediately and wait until it clears. 

'Do not enter the narrow part of the canyon where you might not be able to climb the canyon walls in the event of an unexpected flood.'

On social media, Nickerson's mother and sister have been appealing for information about her whereabouts.

In one post, her mom wrote: 'Does anyone have a list of names of the hikers that are with the SAR after the flash floods yesterday? 

Her sister Dena Ramdorsingh meanwhile said: 'Chenoa and her husband Andrew Nickerson were hiking in the Havasupai area on 08/22/24. 

'Andrew reached out to his father via satellite phone on 08/22/2024 at 18:16 reporting that Chenoa and him were caught in a flash flood and that they were both swept away and that Andrew was rescued. 

'He said he is at a safe spot camping with a rafting crew who rescued him and that NPS SAR was on sight as of last night. Please help us. We are desperate.'